Work Permit in Georgia for Foreigners: 2026 Requirements

Who Needs a Work Permit

The obligation applies to:

• Foreign nationals registered as individual entrepreneurs in Georgia.
• Foreign nationals employed by Georgian companies, including those in managerial or directorial positions.
• Persons receiving income from Georgia-connected activities, even when working remotely.

Neither the presence of Georgian clients nor the physical location of the individual is the decisive factor — the obligation arises from the economic substance of the activity.

The Tax System Remains Unchanged

The work permit reform does not affect Georgia's tax framework. All existing tax regimes continue to operate:

• Small Business Status for IEs — 1% tax on turnover up to 500,000 GEL.
• Estonian taxation model for LLCs.
• Preferential IT regimes (Virtual Zone, International Company status).

Work Permit for Self-Employed Persons (IE and Directors)

Self-employed individuals — IEs and foreign directors of Georgian companies — apply independently through the official portal: labourmigration.moh.gov.ge

Stage 1. Registration in the system, completion of the electronic application, and submission of documents confirming economic activity:

• For active businesses: annual turnover data and business operations.
• For newly established activities: a business plan outlining the model, target markets, and revenue sources.

Stage 2. A mandatory video interview with the State Employment Promotion Agency to verify the authenticity of the declared activity and its economic substance.

Processing times and state fees:

Work Permit for Employees of Georgian Companies

The procedure is initiated and managed by the employer.

1. Mandatory vacancy publication on the state employment portal Worknet for a minimum of 10 business days.
2. If no suitable Georgian candidate is found, the employer applies for a work permit on behalf of the foreign employee.
3. The application package includes: company details, position description, and the foreign national's qualifications and professional background.
4. State fee payment and submission for review.

The employer bears full responsibility for the accuracy of all submitted information.

Validity and Renewal

• Standard validity: 6 months to 1 year.
• Renewable for a cumulative period of up to 5 years, provided the underlying grounds remain valid.
• For IT professionals: up to 3 years upon initial grant.

After Receiving the Work Permit

Foreign nationals physically present in Georgia must regularise their legal status within 10 days by applying for a residence permit or obtaining a D1 work visa. This requirement does not apply to individuals conducting activities remotely from outside Georgia.

For those working within Georgia: entry into the country at least once every six months is required.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Working without the right to work carries a GEL 2,000 fine for the employer per labour immigrant, GEL 2,000 for the labour immigrant and GEL 2,000 for a self-employed foreign national. A repeat violation doubles the fine (Article 161 of the Law on Labour Migration). Changing employer without renewing the right to work is also fined GEL 2,000 (Article 166). An employer that fails to enter the early termination, amendment or extension of a contract in the electronic system is fined GEL 1,000, and GEL 2,000 for a repeat violation (Article 165).

What the Law on Labour Migration sets out

The following are provisions of the Law of Georgia on Labour Migration as consolidated on 25 June 2026:

• Conditions for work. A labour immigrant may work in Georgia with an employment agreement, the right to work and a residence permit or a D1 category visa (Articles 131 and 133). The agreement is concluded only in writing and for a fixed term (Article 132).
• Who obtains the right to work. A labour immigrant obtains it through the local employer, while a self-employed foreign national obtains it personally (Article 134).
• Review period. An initial application and an extension application are each reviewed within 30 calendar days at most (Article 134).
• Residence permit after the right is granted. A foreign national in Georgia applies for a work residence permit no later than 10 calendar days after obtaining the right to work (Article 135).
• Extension. The extension application is filed 30 calendar days before the right to work expires. Validity periods and the extension procedure are set by a Government ordinance (Article 135).
• Transitional deadline. Labour immigrants registered in the system with active status on 1 March 2026 must obtain the right to work and a residence permit no later than 1 January 2027 (Article 17).

Who the law does not apply to

Article 1 of the Law on Labour Migration excludes, in particular:

• holders of a valid investment residence permit
• work performed fully remotely for a local employer
• short-term professional activities on the list approved by a Government ordinance

If one of these exceptions applies to you, no right to work under this law is required. How to obtain a work residence permit after the right to work is granted is described on our work residence permit page.

FAQ

Does the requirement apply to remote freelancers?

Yes, if the activity is economically connected to Georgia: a registered IE, Georgian clients, or Georgian-source income. The law expressly excludes work performed fully remotely for a local employer, so employment by a local employer performed fully remotely from abroad does not require a right to work under this law.

Do I need a permit if I just registered an IE and have no turnover yet?

For newly established businesses, a business plan is submitted instead of turnover data. The permit must be obtained before income begins.

What is a D1 visa?

A D1 visa is Georgia's work visa, obtained by a foreign national after receiving a work permit, if they are physically present in the country and do not hold a residence permit.

Has the process for obtaining a residence permit through an IE changed?

The procedure for a work residence permit (50,000 GEL turnover threshold) remains unchanged, but a work permit is now additionally required. Details: Work Residence Permit

Does an investment residence permit holder need a work permit?

No. Under Article 1 of the Law on Labour Migration, the law does not apply to a person with a valid investment residence permit. Work performed fully remotely for a local employer and short-term professional activities on the Government list are also excluded.

What is the deadline for those already working on 1 March 2026?

Labour immigrants registered in the labour migration system with active status on 1 March 2026 must obtain the right to work and a residence permit no later than 1 January 2027 (Article 17 of the Law on Labour Migration).

When should I apply to extend the right to work?

30 calendar days before it expires. The rule is the same for an employer extending a labour immigrant's right and for a self-employed foreign national. An extension application is reviewed within 30 calendar days at most.